No. 12 Nebraska Secures School Record 14th Big Ten Win in 82-67 Victory

LOS ANGELES — No. 12 Nebraska set a program milestone Saturday, defeating USC 82-67 at the Galen Center to record its school record 14th Big Ten win in a season and strengthen its position in the latest conference standings.

The Cornhuskers improved to 25-4 overall and 14-4 in Big Ten play, marking the most league victories in program history since joining the conference in 2011. Nebraska also moved to 7-2 in road conference games, reinforcing a tournament ready profile with one away contest remaining. USC fell to 18-11 and 7-11, extending its losing streak to five games and dealing another blow to its NCAA Tournament outlook.

Pryce Sandfort led Nebraska with 32 points, one shy of his career high, continuing one of the most productive scoring seasons in the conference. Sandfort connected on 5 three point field goals and is now five away from matching Shawn Respert’s Big Ten single season record of 80 made three point shots. His perimeter efficiency has been central to Nebraska’s rise in the national rankings.

Braden Frager added 17 points and tied his career high with eight rebounds, contributing on both ends during a decisive second half stretch. Nebraska’s turning point came midway through the second half when the Cornhuskers went on a 15-0 run. Sandfort and Frager combined for 14 points during that surge as Nebraska extended its lead to 66-46, effectively taking control.

Nebraska began the season 20-0 and has gone 5-4 since, a reminder of the conference’s competitive depth. Still, the program’s consistency away from home and ability to respond in key stretches strengthens its postseason outlook as March approaches.

USC was led by Chad Baker Mazara and Alijah Arenas, who each scored 14 points. Arenas converted all six of his free throw attempts. Kam Woods added 12 points and Jaden Brownell contributed 10. Baker Mazara exited early in the second half after a hard fall along the baseline and did not return, a potential injury development to monitor in the coming days.

The Trojans led 36-31 at halftime after closing the first half on an 18-11 run fueled by back to back 3 point baskets from Brownell and Baker Mazara. However, Nebraska’s defensive adjustments limited USC’s perimeter rhythm after the break.

From an impact standpoint, Nebraska’s latest win enhances its NCAA Tournament resume and positions the program for a favorable seed. Historically, teams that surpass 14 conference wins in the Big Ten have secured strong placement in the bracket, particularly when paired with road success and national ranking consistency.

For USC, the timeline grows increasingly urgent. The Trojans have lost 10 of their past 16 games and now face limited margin for error in conference tournament play if they hope to extend their season.

Next steps: Nebraska visits UCLA on Tuesday night, closing its first California road trip since 2016. USC travels to Washington on Wednesday in its final regular season road game, seeking to stabilize momentum before postseason play.